Tech Challenge 2013: The Next Generation Of Engineers Is Here...And They're Having Fun!

In its 26th year, The Tech Challenge continues the mission to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education with the "Asteroids Rock!" project.

April 23 , 2013

The Tech Challenge is designed to inspire the next generation of Silicon Valley innovators and provide students, in grades 5 through 12, with hands-on science and engineering projects. Their goal: solving real world problems. In addition to meeting California Content Standards, the challenge also teaches students many of the valuable skills needed to be a successful engineer or inventor. Whether it's problem solving, design, teamwork, leadership, risk-taking, perseverance or, most importantly, learning from failure, each of these skills can serve them now as students and well into the future.

In this year's scenario, an unmanned spacecraft launched from Earth and landed on an asteroid. From there, it must transport 3 packages of delicate testing instruments to specified locations. The students must tackle this challenge with creativity and ingenuity.

Cisco was the presenting sponsor at this year's event with more than 150 Cisco employees volunteering their time and experitise to make this event happen.